Hayleigh Noel O’Brien (Connell) 1985 – 2017

Hayleigh Noel O’Brien (Connell)

December 12, 1985 – December 16, 2017

It is with great sadness and many tears that we announce the passing of our dear sweet girl, after a long and brave battle with ovarian cancer. Hayleigh was born December 12, 1985 in Kamloops, BC. She grew up in Rayleigh, where she lived her entire life, eventually purchasing her first home right next door to her parents.

Hayleigh was an exemplary student. From her elementary days at Rayleigh Elementary, to high school at Norkam Secondary, which eventually brought her to Thompson Rivers University, where she attained her Bachelors Degree in Social Work. It was Hayleigh’s Social Work degree that led her to work in Mental Health and Addictions with Interior Health, where her positivity and caring nature brought her into the lives of so many people.

Hayleigh was a natural at everything she did. Piano, dance and various sports, Hayleigh excelled at anything she tried. Her favourite though, was soft-ball and she was a force to be reckoned with on the diamonds.

Hayleigh loved to travel and had been to some amazing places. From Egypt with her Dad, Paris with her Mom, to travelling the US with her Uncle Roy, Auntie Wendy and Sheri, Hayles loved a good trip! She loved to explore with her dad or Keith, going on hiking and kayaking adventures and enjoying the views.

Hayleigh is survived by the love of her life Keith, her fur-baby Liam, parents Richard and Holly, sister Stephanie (Jerrad), her favourite “Mc Nugget”, nephew Quinn, maternal grandparents Louis and Oddny and many aunts, uncles and cousins, all of whom she loved with all her heart. Family was the most important thing to Hayleigh. Hayleigh is predeceased by her brother Michael James and paternal grandparents Yvonne Wawryk and George Connell.

The family would like to thank Hayleigh’s medical team, the staff and volunteers at The Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home, Drake Cremation & Funeral Services and all of those who followed Hayles through her journey, offering love and support.

As per Hayleigh’s wishes, a cremation was performed at Drake Cremation & Funeral Services.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Heffley Creek Hall on Saturday, December 23rd, 2017 at 2:00PM. It was Hayleigh’s wish that this be a celebration, full of love and joy. Hayleigh’s family asks that anyone who wishes to bring stories and memories to share, please do so.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Ovarian Cancer Canada or to The Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home in Hayleigh’s name would be appreciated.

Condolence Messages

Hayleigh was part of an incredible loving network. She recognized the power of relationships and the strength of family. Her indelible energy lives on for the only universal truth that feeds the soul is love.

To Hayleigh family …I am so deeply sorry for your loss ..Hayleigh was the most beautiful girl inside and out ..She had a heart of gold …Worked with Hayleigh at Mccleaners while she was going to school ..Hayleigh was the light of the day when she popped thur the door always happy and smiling and always something kind to say …She will be sadly missed

Hayleigh worked for us for years at McCleaners, in three of our stores. She was such a lovely, happy person. All those who worked with her are deeply saddened by her passing. She touched many of our lives and we will miss her. Our thought are with her family at this time.

Words cannot express how sad we are for your loss of such a lovely soul.
We wish we could be by your side, Keith during this time, please know we are thinking of you and are with you in spirit.
Sending all our love from PEI,
The Marchbanks

Rick, Holly and Steph,
We are all so saddened and shocked by Hayleigh’s passing. I always remember a positive bubbly little girl with a head of wild curls and a smile. I have no words that will comfort you as I can only imahime the pain that you are all feeling. You have an amazing extended family and friends that love you all. Keep that lil Quinn close for cuddles, that smile should help.

Rick, Holly and Stephanie. I am so sorry for your loss. Hayleigh had a wonderful spirit and a beautiful smile. I connected with her a few times at Crossroads Inn when she was working with clients. She was so caring and compassionate with her clientele, it was heartwarming to see her interacting with people who were struggling. She had a special way about her that made it easy for clients to smile. The community has lost a wonderful soul. I can’t imagine how difficult this is for your family. Sending you hugs.

To Keith and all of Hayleigh’s Family. Our most sincere sympathy on Hayleigh’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are being sent to you all. We did not know Hayleigh but knew from Margaret and David how special and wonderful she was. Heaven has gained an angel and may she rest in peace – free from pain. Hugs from Shirley MacAusland and Joan Waite in Summerside, PEI

Our thoughts are with you, we are very saddened by your loss. May God keep you and fill your hearts and homes with peace in the days ahead. I can still see the little girl with long blonde hair and always was a happy go lucky young girl. Your loss is great! your memories of her you will cherish forever. Hugs and love

Sweet, gentle, and wise is how I think of Hayleigh. What a honour to know such an amazing young woman. I wish I could be there to celebrate her! It is with great sadness that I am unable to attend Hayleigh’s celebration of life as I am in the Dominican Republic. Sending hugs, prayers, and my heartfelt condolences.to Holly and her family..

May your memories be full of joy and pride . Her brave fight, her willingness to share her experiences while fighting this disease by posting on her blog I am sure will help others. Her love of family is also noted in the pictures that were shared. Gather memories of her close to aid you, her family, through this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.

We are so very sorry to hear that Hayleigh has passed. When we sat and talked about our memories of her and Rayleigh, we had such huge smiles. Hayleigh was such a bright lite whenever she was around. Rick, Holly, Steph and family, we send our love and deepest condolences and know that we feel very honoured to have known such a beautiful person xo

My sincere and deepest sympathy to Holly, Rick and your family on hearing of the loss of your beautiful daughter. I didn’t know Hayleigh but had heard many funny and loving stories about her from her proud mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers and know that Hayleigh will give you strength and take care of all you ,never leaving your hearts.

I had the privilege of meeting and working with Hayleigh early in her career and I saw why mamma was so proud. I am sadden by your loss and though I haven’t been around for some time, I still have fond memories of working with Holly and briefly with Hayleigh. I wish you time for healing and reflection. Trust that many have you in their thoughts at this time.

Hayleigh was such a vibrant, happy, beautiful girl, she touched everyone she met. Her kind and loving nature always showed during her visits with Liam. Please accept our deepest sympathy at this sad and difficult time.

Your loss is immeasurable, the pain overwhelming.
I was breathless when I saw the obituary.
I have only seen Hayleigh in passing since I met her in 1996, when the whole family was the backbone of volunteers for the Administration division of the BC Games for Athletes with a Disability. The whole family made an indelible impression. Hayleigh was a bright light and obviously destined for great things. That she has died so young is tragic. I wish I had known her better in recent years. The World has lost a bright star, most especially her family.

Keith, it was with great sadness that I learned of your immeasurable loss with Hayleigh’s passing. Hold fast to your memories and know that your family of coworkers, present (and retired) surround you with love, support and caring.

Holly (Rick and family), my sincerest sympathy to all of you. Holly, I have memories of you and Hayleigh, which at the time didn’t mean as much as it does now. It was on our lunch breaks, when I’d be leaving and you two would be returning, laughing and talking and enjoying each other’s company. It was so apparent that you really were great ‘friends’, and you had reason to be so proud Mom! Words can’t tell you how sorry I am.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss your family and really, the whole world, has experienced by Hayleigh’s death. I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling. It’s very real and nothing can fill the hole Hayleigh has left behind. I wish you the peace and time you need to heal as best as you can.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss your family and really, the whole world, has experienced by Hayleigh’s death. I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling. It’s very real and nothing can fill the hole Hayleigh has left behind. I wish you the peace and time you need to heal as best as you can.
– Kate Beauchamp